More and more people are environmentally aware and make a lot of effort in their lives at home to ensure that their lifestyle is environmentally friendly. Ranging from government endorsed home improvements to make their property more energy efficient, recycling waste, buying green products, to opting for electric cars. When going to such an effort at home to be green it goes against the belief of many people to then spend money on a hotel that does not match up to their green ethics. The era of treating time spent in a hotel as an excuse for overindulgence and forgetting that the real world exists is coming to an end as people become more aware of the impacts that they have on the planet, and the power that their choice of lifestyle can have on the hotel market. Staying in a green hotel shows support for the actions of that hotel and your contributions will help them to further develop their green initiatives. The more support that the truly green hotels receive the more likely it is that other hotels will follow suite, and ‘green up’ their acts. The louder we demand green action from hotels, the more they will be forced to respond.

Look for the green evidence

Many hotels and B&Bs claim to be green, but unfortunately some have just jumped on the green bandwagon and have no serious intentions of making a difference environmentally. Whereas others go to great lengths to ensure that their impact on the environment is kept to an absolute minimum. How do you tell whether the accommodation is truly green or whether they have just veiled their true actions with a thin green cape?

When selecting which hotel to book the best source of information are the hotels’ websites. Take an in-depth look at the websites and read up on their environmental policies. Do the policies seem in depth and genuine or are they just light-weight and purely for show? Search for any information on whether the hotel has been accredited green certification or eco labels. Even the newest hotels are likely to have been awarded some form of accreditation if their green policies are genuine. Longer standing hotels that are truly green should also show evidence of environmental awards or recognition from tour operators and consumers. Once you have trawled through the hotels’ websites, take a look at consumer and green hotel websites for their feedback on their green practices.  If you are new to the green hotel scene speak to a friend or colleague who has visited green hotels and pick their brains on what you should be looking for. Lastly, you can use social media websites to ask for the advice of others. Let them know where you will be visiting and ask for recommendations of green hotels in the area.

Be a green guest

The simplest way to be a green guest at a hotel is to just follow their existing environmental initiatives. However, if you feel they could do more then take the time to give your feedback. If their customers don’t tell them that they need to improve they may think they are doing enough already. The key areas to be aware of are energy, water, waste and housekeeping.

In order to be green yourself when using the hotel amenities, such as the pool and beach, try to do the following:

• Re-use towels whenever possible
• Use water-soluble sun lotions in the pool
• Avoid mosquito repellent that contains DEET or other dangerous chemicals that can contaminate either the pool or seawater
• If you are going to snorkel near coral reefs then try to wear long sleeved clothes to protect yourself from the sun instead of sun lotion as the chemicals in the sunscreen can damage the marine ecosystem
• Avoid motorized water sports as they cause noise and fuel pollution and disturb the wildlife

Environmentally conscious traveler

By doing a bit of research before you book your hotel as well as making a few well thought out decisions while enjoying your holiday or business trip you can help to make a real difference to the impact that hotels are having on the environment. The impact of one hotel is minimal, but the hotel industry as a whole has a huge environmental influence on the planet. Do your bit to help it become a greener industry.

Travelling Green in PA

We recently travelled to Milford, PA for my birthday and to Gettysburg, PA as a last hurrah before our new baby arrived.  We travelled to each place in our electric Tesla Model S so we had to make sure we had charging available in advance.  Gettysburg was no trouble at all as there were Nissan and Chevy dealerships as well as Wilson college, just to name a few, who greeted us with open arms with complementary level II charging. Even though the Ragged Edge Inn did not yet have more than 110 V charging available (which they graciously offered to us) they had no trouble shuttling us back and forth to the conveniently located Fitzgerald Nissan for our overnight charging.  

Milford was a bit more of a problem, with no public charging stations readily available within about an hour of the city at this time.  However, we stayed at the Hotel Fauchere, where after hearing we needed charging, they assured us they would take care of it for us.  When we arrived, they had installed a 220V, 50A NEMA 14-50 charging facility!  Both the Ragged Edge Inn and the Hotel Fauchere now offer their charging to their guests and encourage EV vacationers to take advantage of driving green and both plan to move to standardized J1772 in the near future.

Both hotels also offer many green amenities and environmentally friendly practices and are just all around outstanding places to stay.  If time permits, we may go into some detail in a future post. For now, some photos follow.

Hotel Fauchere, Milford, PA (Installed NEMA 14-50 - considering J17-72 install)

The Inn at Ragged Edge (Chambersburg, PA) is a boutique bed and breakfast, located in minutes from Gettysburg. It is the perfect setting for relaxation, romance, and rejuvenation.  

Fitzgeral Nissan - Level II charging available and a stock of new 2013 Leafs

Travelling by sea/water has traditionally been somewhat of a grey area environmentally, with images of oil slicks, and rubbish being dumped overboard by the industry. With this in mind we thought it a good time to look at the improvements that are being made within the boating industry to improve its green credentials. Before we choose to travel by boat we want to know that our mode of transport is not damaging America’s coastline.

Cruise the high seas

America’s coastlines are absolutely stunning. Ranging from windswept dramatic cliffs, to sun drenched beaches, the 84,000 miles that makes up our coastline are all individual and worthy of a visit. A great way of visiting a number of locations in one trip is to join a cruise. Cruising has picked up a bad reputation over the past few decades as an environmentally unfriendly form of travel. However, the industry has gone to great lengths over the past few years to clean up its act, quite literally! In fact the various cruise companies now seem to have entered into a race to see who can become the greenest fastest, which is good news for the planet.

Many people are now choosing which cruise line they travel with based on their green credentials. With environmentally responsible measures being put in place such as; emission reduction technology being used in exhaust stacks, reclaiming water from condensation in air conditioning units to use to clean the decks, serving seafood ranked as ‘best’ on the Marine Conservation International Sustainability scale, using heat generated by ships engines to power evaporators used to turn seawater into potable water, reducing fuel consumption by using paint on the hull which reduces friction in the water, recirculation of heat and more efficient air conditioning, twilight sensors which turn deck lights off at dawn and on at dusk. Carnival Cruise Line has even installed devices on their ships on behalf of International SeaKeepers Society. These devices, located on the ship’s bows, track water temperature, salinity, pH and oxygen levels. The data is then transmitted to environmental groups, government agencies and universities to help assess ocean pollution.

Over the past 10 years the cruise industry as a whole has reduced its overall waste by 50%. This is an incredible feat when you consider that during the same time period it has increased its passenger capacity by 7.6% a year. Cruising is well on its way to being considered a green holiday choice, and is a great way of exploring large expanses of America’s beautiful coastline. Do your research on the cruise lines green credentials before you book for an environmentally guilt-free holiday.

Let the wind take you

If you would prefer a more peaceful and intimate way of seeing our fantastic coastline, rivers or lakes, then why not hop aboard a sailing boat. The feeling of being powered by the wind and generating zero emissions is one that is hard to beat. As the sails fill with wind and you feel the boat lurch into action below your feet you truly appreciate the power of nature.

In the past few years there have been vast improvements in the production of green yachts.

Whereas many cruising yachts previously relied on the engines being run when at anchor to power their fridges, fans, instruments etc, the majority are now being fitted with solar panels which keep the batteries topped up, meaning the engines don’t need to be run unnecessarily. The saves on fuel consumption and cuts down on noise in peaceful anchorages.

The manufacturer Berret Racoupeau Yachts has created the Code [e] Yacht, a catamaran whose engine uses electricity and uses it very economically. The yacht makes the most of the environment while at the same time protecting it. It uses the wind as its main source of propulsion, as well as harnessing its power through telescopic wind generators, producing electricity. The solar panels provide additional electricity, and are also used to heat water. An innovative water collection system gathers rainfall and filters it. Under sail the water drives two hydro generators. The hybrid propulsion system doesn’t emit any toxic gases. It has an independent running time of 15 minutes so can be used to enter ports or anchorages. For long distance motoring fossil fuels are still needed.

The peacefulness and tranquility of sailing has to be experienced to be believed. Sailing is one of the most natural ways of exploring our shorelines. With no loud engines, or rotating propellers you will find that wildlife will be happy to approach you, with curiosity getting the better of them. Whether it be dolphins playing alongside your bow, birds hitching a ride on your mast, whales casting you a wise glance as they cruise by, or flying fish diving in and out of your wake. It is a great way to get up close to wildlife while safe in the knowledge that you are causing them no harm.

Motor Cruiser

Innovative approaches to engine design mean that many of today’s motor cruisers are minimizing their levels of fuel consumption. The development of hybrid engines means that boats can achieve high speeds with zero gas emissions. Not only are the emissions brought down to zero, but the boats are also incredibly quiet, meaning the noise pollution is brought right down as well.

Similar to the use of solar panels on sailing yachts, they have also been introduced on motor cruisers. The DSe Hybrid uses solar, electric and diesel engine combination. This means the fuel consumption is massively reduced while still allowing the boat to reach impressive speeds of 13 knots.

Independence Green Yachts uses green materials as well as green technologies. Aluminum which can easily be recycled is used for the hull and superstructure, so at the end of the vessels life the environmental impact is minimal. The company also claims that all of the other materials it uses in the production of the yachts are either a renewable resource or recycled materials.

Protecting our shorelines

We are blessed to have such diverse and beautiful shorelines in America. Exploring America from the water gives you a new perspective on the country and how lucky we are to have access to the water and the freedom to explore it. Our waterways and oceans are fragile so it is vital that we choose responsible ways of exploring them. It is reassuring to know that the boating industry is doing its bit to protect our shores.

It was a perfectly fine December morning and I was on my way to the grocery store in my baby blue 2012 Leaf.  After waiting at a stop light for the light to turn green and enjoying the pleasant silence of the lack of toxic chemicals combusting under my hood, I proceeded across the intersection.  All traffic was appropriately stopped to my left but unfortunately, a Toyota Camry came barreling through the intersection from the right, ignoring the red light and heading straight for me (the driver later said that sun glare prevented her from seeing the light!).  I tried to turn the vehicle to the left to convert a direct blow into a glancing hit, but only accomplished a small manuever before the Toyota slammed into the front right door/fender area of my Leaf.

Nissan Leaf after being hit broadside by Toyota Camry

Toyota Camry after smashing into side of Leaf

My driver side and the the impact-side curtain airbags deployed.  I was expecting a good smack to the face from the airbag but fortunately the dual-stage feature of the Leaf's advanced airbag system spared me from even a scratch, particulary surprising given I wear a fragile pair of rimless eye-glasses. More fortunately was the fact that the airbags provided sufficent force to save me from banging my head against the steering wheel or windshield.  All in all, the Leaf had fared pretty well and protected me quite adequately from what was a pretty nasty collision.  

I tried to stay calm and recover my wits a bit.  My first thought was to get out and see if the other driver was okay. Although a few fires in electrical vehicles had caused an uproar in the press recently, I knew none of those had been attributed to the drive battery in the vehicle, and in fact, in the case of Fisker, the incident had been traced to a short circuit in a low-voltage control module - a component common to most gasoline-fueled cars as well.  My major concern was therefore focused on the driver in the gasoline vehicle who sat still in the driver's seat as liquids leaked out of her car onto the road and smoke poured from the engine under the cars now crumpled hood.  I approached and waived her quickly out of the car and after determining she was okay, we both quickly grabbed Christmas gifts from her vehicle and set them a good distance away.  

The car continued to smoulder but it did not burst into flames.  No Hollywood explosion, though such depictions are supported somewhat by statistics on gasoline cars catching fire in accidents and they are nothing to take lightly.  According to a report from the National Institute of Standards and Technology "Automobile fires are consistently among the largest causes of fire death in the United States (about 500 anually) and the U.S. motor vehicle industry has spent $14 million in recent years studying the problem."

I then phoned my insurance agent.  State Farm had been pretty good about insuring my electric vehicles after some confusion early on with what to do about my Tesla Roadster.  State Farm does not offer any special discounts specifically for electric vehicles but in general, large insurers such as Aviva, Allstate, Geico and Progressive have at least discussed considerations for reduced rates based on the reduced risk associated with EV drivers.  "When you look at electric vehicle owners, you probably have a pretty careful bunch there," said Jack Nerad, market analyst at Kelly Blue Book. Hartford recently announced a 5% auto insurance discount for EV drivers, citing environmental stewardship but likely getting a push from their actuaries as well.

EVs may sport a small premium relative to similarly-equipped vehicles based on their potential increased replacement parts costs for repairs.  This is a volume issue as much as anything else, offset somewhat by the potential safety factors, but in the end, things tend to even out.  Ford has addressed the parts issue with their Ford Focus electric by making the electric version of the Focus with over 80% of the same parts as the regular version.  The profile of the tyipcal driver has a lot to do with insurance costs that are associated with a vehicle.  For example, a 36,810 Cadillac CTS carries an insurance premium of $2,024 versus the more expensive Chevy Volt, which has an insurance cost of only 1,452.  The average premium for a Leaf is $1,513 versus, $1,8801 for a similarly featured and priced Nissan Maxima while the Leaf has a $3,000 premium on purchase price over the Maxima.

In summary, EV drivers tend to be a bit more thoughtful, demanding ultimately a safer vehicle and receiving lower premiums.  EVs tend to be very safe vehicles with less fire risk than comparable gasoline vehicles, and judging from all the sand that had to be poured on the road around the Toyota, plowing into an EV leaves less of a mess to clean up.  The EV did need to go back to the dealer for assessment rather than directly to the body shop but otherwise, towing, claim procedures and other items are just the same as if I were driving a "normal" car - how about that!?

I just got feedback from the repair shop that my little Leaf is going to pull through.  Though I would rather not go through this again, it was interesting to have experienced first hand that my EV can take a licking and keep on ticking - and no, I need no such crash proof test of my Roadster, knock on wood!

Media Advisory for Philadelphia Sunday 9/23/2012; Franklin Institute

Contact:  Michael L. Craner, Michael@renewamericaroadtrip.com, (215-874-7182)

 Does Governor Ed Rendell think Electric Cars are for Wusses?

 Find out this Sunday, Sept. 23 from noon to 4 pm at the Franklin Institute when Ed Rendell speaks at 1pm on the politics of energy and transportation, signs his new book “A Nation of Wusses – How America’s Leaders Lost the Guts to Make Us Great,” and thousands come to Ride, Drive, and Experience some of the latest electric vehicles and related technology as part of Philly National Plug In Day at the Franklin from noon to 4pm.

Discover the benefits of the new 54.5 MPG standard, the real cost of gasoline, why we should push to continue wind energy incentives; and get the facts on solar energy and global warming from a presentation by Richard Whiteford at 12:30pm on the Science of Global Warming, and discussion with other experts, while seeing and getting a chance to experience hands-on the electric vehicle revolution in transportation.

Lean how adoption of electric vehicles is a core component of economic recovery and national security and key to our nation’s survival and a prosperous future; see the PECO Chevy Volt and learn about rebate programs for EVs, and speak to actual EV owners about why they drive electric and the benefits of zero emissions, significantly reduced maintenance costs, and decreasing their cost per mile of driving by as much as a factor of 10!

See and test drive some practical electric cars you can buy today like the Nissan Leaf, Chevy Volt, and Mitsubishi Miev, and some exotic electric luxury/sports cars like the Fisker Karma and Tesla Roadster.

Find out why one EV owner and his wife drove across the country to educate people about renewable energy and lifestyle and see the RARdster, the Tesla Roadster that made that historic journey.

Experience the genius of Nikola Tesla, whose inventions power our lives and are at the heart of the EV revolution, through live demonstrations of a Tesla Coil and wireless power transfer.

Speak to real moms who fight the cause against air pollution for all of us by visiting with Mom’s Clean Air Force and enjoy a ride on an electric scooter around town, courtesy of Penn Scooters of Philadelphia.

Get in touch with what is happening at Plug In Day events in other cities by video conferencing into their concurrent events courtesy of Telikin computers Franklin Science center.

Learn about how electric vehicles are coming back with a vengeance after being effectively banned by big oil interests over a decade ago by watching the film “Revenge of the Electric Car” in the Demonstration Theatre at 3pm.

National Plug In Day is Sunday, September 23, 2012. For more event details in each city and to RSVP visit: http://www.pluginday.org

For details of the new data analysis see: http://sierraclub.typepad.com/compass/2012/09/national-plug-in-day-oil-free.html

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About the Franklin Institute:  Located in the heart of Philadelphia, The Franklin Institute is a renowned leader in science and technology learning through hands-on exhibits, theaters, live shows, outreach and awards recognition. http://www2.fi.edu/ 

About the Renew America Roadtrip:  The Renew America Roadtrip™ (RAR) made history in July of 2009 when it completed America’s first volunteer, green, charity drive coast-to-coast in an all-electric sports car - a Tesla Motor's Roadster. RAR continues to raise money for charities and awareness of renewable, sustainable, and eco-friendly practices through an on-going series of educational/advocacy campaigns and appearances throughout the country. www.renewamericaroadtrip.com

About the Sierra Club: The Sierra Club is the nation’s oldest and largest grassroots environmental organization with 1.4 million members and supporters and chapters in all 50 states.  The Sierra Club’s national electric vehicles campaign advocates for a switch to EVs as one important way to reduce emissions and cut our addiction to oil.  www.sierraclub.org/electric-vehicles

About Plug In America: Plug In America is leading the nation’s plug-in vehicle movement. The nonprofit organization works to accelerate the shift to plug-in vehicles powered by clean, affordable, domestic electricity to reduce our nation's dependence on petroleum and improve the global environment. We drive electric. You can, too.  www.pluginamerica.org

About the Electric Auto Association: The Electric Auto Association, formed in 1967, is a nonprofit educational organization with 75 chapters worldwide that promotes the advancement and widespread adoption of electric vehicles.  The local Philadelphia chapter www.electricauto.org

About Exton Nissan:  Exton Nissan is a premier Nissan dealership serving Chester Springs. They are also the regional leader in sales of Nissan’s new all-electric Leaf.  They have a strong commitment to green practices and offer four level-2 J1772 standard charging stations to the general EV public. www.extonnissan.com

About Advanced Solar Industries:  When you switch to clean, locally produced, solar energy you become part of the energy solution.  Leasing options make this easy.  When you lease, Advanced Solar Industries will install your system, and perform troubleshooting and maintenance as necessary over the lifetime of the lease. At the end of the lease term, you may either renew the lease, buy the equipment at fair market value, or request that the system be removed at no cost to you. http://advancedsolarindustries.com/

About The Tesla Science Foundation: Promoting the legacy of Nikola Tesla by raising awareness of his accomplishments and contributions to the 21^st Century to include introducing his many patents and inventions that remain applicable to our current needs.  We bring together those with a genuine interest in Tesla through educational programs, workshops, meetings and public events. http://teslasciencefoundation.org

About Mom’s Clean Air Force:  Moms Clean Air Force is national movement of more than 80,000 moms — and dads too! — who are protecting our children’s right to clean air — just as our parents fought for us, forty years ago, when the Clean Air Act was first passed. http://www.momscleanairforce.org/ 

About Clean Air Council: Clean Air Council is a member-supported environmental organization serving the Mid-Atlantic Region. The Council is dedicated to protecting and defending everyone’s right to breathe clean air. The Council works through a broad array of related sustainability and public health initiatives, using public education, community action, government oversight, and enforcement of environmental laws. http://www.cleanair.org/

About Penn Scooters: Penn Scooters, LLC is an electric scooter rental and sales business located at 115 South Street, Philadelphia, PA. Our mission is to provide an inexpensive and eco-friendly mode of transportation as well as a new and exciting recreation to Philadelphians and tourists alike. We are the first to provide such services, offering hourly and daily ELECTRIC scooter rentals along with scooter accessories. http://pennscooters.com/

About Telikin Computer:  Telikin is a simple and easy to use family computer that combines video chat, photo sharing, email and many more popular features into a sleek, touchscreen device.It's fun for young and the young at heart and easy to use for seniors, the elderly and their families. http://www.telikin.com/

About Richard Whiteford: Richard Whiteford is a writer, environmental activist, and a communications professional. Alarm over the massive loss of Earth’s variety of plants, creatures, and ecosystems, the dangers of pollution on public health, and the impending impacts from climate change, compelled Mr. Whiteford to devote his life to fighting for environmental protection. http://rdwhiteford.blogspot.com/

About Governor Ed Rendell:  Ed Rendell is a longtime proponent of clean energy and "green economic growth", Rendell recently left Harrisburg after two successful terms as Governor of Pennsylvania and as a nationally recognized leader on the national stage as Chairman of the National Governors Association and the Democratic National Committee. Under his leadership, Pennsylvania rose to be ranked third in the nation for green job creation and one of the top five states generating solar power.  As Governor of Pennsylvania from 2003-2011, Rendell served two terms as chief executive of the nation’s 6th-most-populous state and oversaw a $28.3 billion budget.  http://www.elementpartners.com/team-edrendell.html

Renew America Roadtrip (RAR) is hosting and facilitating "Revenge of the Electric Car" movie parties in conjunction with their sponsors and affiliated charities throughout the MidAtlantic region this year in support of the Sierra Club and the President's "EV everywhere" initiative. See  http://renewamericaroadtrip.com/events-and-campaigns/

RAR started off this series of showings with a private party at their solar-powered eco-friendly home this past Sunday April 15th, where roughly 30 Pennsylvania residents and VIPs gathered to watch this new award-winning documentary, receive a tour of the home's 15.75 kW solar power plant & Geothermal HVAC system, and see RAR's two electric Cars - a Tesla Roadster and a Nissan Leaf (both vehicles types of which are featured in the film).  Exton Nissan, Advanced Solar Industries and Ground Source HVAC were also present, Nissan providing test drives in their Leaf, and the latter two answering guest's questions regarding solar and geothermal. RAR also raffled off rides in the RARdster to a lucky few guests. See pictures at http://renewamericaroadtrip.com/gallery/revenge-of-the-electric-car-movie-party/

This Saturday, RAR will be part of a "Revenge" movie event hosted by Exton Nissan in Exton, PA. 

Exton Nissan, Renew America Roadtrip, and Advanced Solar Industries (ASI) invite you to "SHIFT__the way you move and power your commute" with a movie party featuring a screening of the award-winning film "Revenge of the Electric Car" and test drives in the new all-electric Leaf.  In addition, learn how you can power your commute with solar energy from ASI and see RAR's Tesla RARdster and the Leaf in exhibition "acceleration" demos against Exton Nissan's fastest and most economical gasoline-engine competitors. Raffles will be held in support of charity for test rides in the Tesla RARdster and a limited number of "in-car" movie viewing seats, and food and drinks will be supplied.  Movie times are 10:30 AM to 12 PM and 12:30 PM to 2PM with rides, demos, and dicussions throughout.  More information about the Leaf and Exton-Nissan can be found at: http://www.extonnissan.com/.  More information on Advanced Solar Industries can be found at:  http://advancedsolarindustries.com/ 

Watch RAR's event page http://renewamericaroadtrip.com/events-and-campaigns/ for announement of numerous events, exhibits, and lectures coming up in the MidAtlantic region including a number of addtional free showings of "Revenge."

In "Revenge of the Electric Car," a follow-up to director Chris Paines’ 2006 film "Who Killed the Electric Car," filmmakers go behind the factory and board room doors of Nissan, GM, and Silicon Valley start-up Tesla Motors to chronicle the global resurgence of electric cars.  "Revenge" follows the race to build the electric vehicle that will win the hearts, minds, and dollars of the public.  

As part of a national Sierra Club initiative in the week leading up to Earth Day, hundreds of select national screenings of the film will be held. These events will include demonstrations of electric cars, discussions among EV owners and their neighbors about what the switch to an electric vehicle means for the driver (savings at the pump) and the nation (reduced emissions and oil dependence).

Last Sunday's screening took place at the home of Michael & Maddy Craner and their son Jose.  Michael is a technology executive and renewable-energy evangelist, Maddy is a resident in family medicine involved in charity work, and Jose is a middle school student and basketball enthusiast.  Michael and Maddy are also co-founders of the Renew America Roadtrip, a environmental advocacy initiative.  All organic hors d'oeuvres and refreshments were provided by Cucina Verde and Maysie’s farm.

The event ran from roughly noon to 3:30 PM with the film playing from 12:30 PM to 2PM.  There was social time and introductions before the film and tours and electric car fun afterwards with an expert panel discussion immediately following the film.

The film trailer can be seen at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkRIu5a6Sb0

ABOUT THE FILM:  “An entertaining roller coaster ride…well shot and sharply paced (with) genuinely human drama. Wall Street might want to take notice of how quickly tides can change.”

 - Mindy Farbee, Los Angeles Times

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 About the Sierra Club: The Sierra Club is the nation’s oldest and largest grassroots environmental organization with 1.4 million members and supporters and chapters in all 50 states.  The Sierra Club’s national electric vehicles campaign advocates for a switch to EVs as one important way to reduce emissions and cut our addiction to oil.  www.sierraclub.org/ev.

About Exton Nissan:  Exton Nissan is a premier Nissan dealership serving Chester Springs. They are also the regional leader in sales of Nissan’s new all-electric Leaf.  They have a strong commitment to green practices and offer four level-2 J1772 standard charging stations to the general EV public. www.extonnissan.com

About Advanced Solar Industries:  When you switch to clean, locally produced, solar energy you become part of the energy solution.  Leasing options make this easy.  When you lease, Advanced Solar Industries will install your system, and perform troubleshooting and maintenance as necessary over the lifetime of the lease. At the end of the lease term, you may either renew the lease, buy the equipment at fair market value, or request that the system be removed at no cost to you. http://advancedsolarindustries.com/

About the Renew America Roadtrip:  The Renew America Roadtrip™ (RAR) made history in July of 2009 when it completed America’s first volunteer, green, charity drive coast-to-coast in an all-electric sports car - a Tesla Motor's Roadster. RAR continues to raise money for charities and awareness of renewable, sustainable, and eco-friendly practices through an on-going series of educational/advocacy campaigns and appearances throughout the country. www.renewamericaroadtrip.com

About Cucina Verde: Cucina Verde offers culinary wellness, catering, and education in the art of wholistic nourishment through locally grown organic cuisine under the guidance of gourmet chef Annmarie Butera Cantrell.  Annmarie, a graduate of the Natural Gourmet Institute for Health and Culinary Arts continually studies the connection between nutrition and vitality and helps clients creat more vibrant balanced lifestyles through their food choices.  http://www.cucina-verde.com

About Ground Source HVAC: Our company has been helping customers reduce their dependence on gas and oil for over 27 years. Now that ground source heat pumps have become a viable alternative, Ground Source H.V.A.C. is proud to offer the most cost-effective solution to your home energy needs.  http://www.groundsourcehvac.com/